Tee Off For Our Patriots

Tee Off For Our Patriots

Golf Classic

Honoring our military and raising awareness of the free mental health services

that MHA offers to military and all families in Monmouth County

August 11th, 2014

Middletown, NJ… On June 25th, the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County (MHA)’s Tee Off For Our Patriots Golf Committee kicked off and celebrated the upcoming Third Annual Golf Classic with a cocktail party at the home of Co-chair, Justine Robertson. It was well-attended by MHA Board, Staff, Golf Committee and Honorary Committee members. The Golf Committee is hoping to broaden the reach and participation at this year’s event through outreach and promotion in all areas of Monmouth County. (Photos from the event are attached.)

Tee Off For Our PatriotsGolf Classic will be held at Navesink Country Club, 50 Luffburrow Lane, Middletown, NJ 07748, on Monday, August 11th. Registration and a buffet luncheon will begin at 11:00 AM. At 12:30pm, Tim McLoone will kickoff the event and introduce the military heroes present. The Star-Spangled Banner will be sung and a Color Guard ceremony will immediately precede the tee off at 1:00pm. There will be military installations on display at the event from various branches of the military. MHA will ask an active duty service member or veteran to play with your foursome, if requested.

Golfers will enjoy 18 holes on the beautiful Navesink Country Club championship course and various contests, such as a “hole in one” chance to win a new car from World Jeep. After the tournament, the golfers and guests will enjoy a cocktail reception with hors d’ oeurvres, complimentary beverages, a live & silent auction, awards and live music provided by Jody Joseph. Golfers and guests will watch a military challenge shoot out on the 18th hole adjacent to the Cocktail Reception.

The cost is $1300.00 for a foursome and $325.00 for an individual registration which includes the Cocktail Reception. The cost for an individual ticket to the Cocktail Reception only is $75.00. 50/50 chance tickets will be sold in advance and at the event with the drawing to be held during the Reception. The opportunity to sponsor a “Patriot to Play” is also, available.

The benefit will help the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County (MHA) bring attention to the challenges faced by military personnel, veterans and their families. There is an urgent need to encourage returning soldiers to seek early intervention and treatment for any symptoms that may be related, but not limited to depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and substance abuse. MHA’s objective is to ensure that our returning soldiers and their family members are helped.

MHA has in place a number of free programs that can be utilized by returning soldiers’ and veterans’ family members. MHA is currently offering two free family support groups to help veterans’ families; the Sanctuary and Safe Place programs. Each group takes place on a monthly basis. The Safe Place program is for family and friends who

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have lost an active duty member or veteran to casualties of war or suicide. The Sanctuary program is for family and friends of active duty members or veterans experiencing emotional difficulties. Last month, MHA, the NJ Survivors Outreach Services, and ASA Fort Dix offered an empowering support group “Wellness and Strength in Difficult Times.” Survivors, veterans, and community members who have been touched by military suicide attended. “We hope that through outreach efforts like Wellness and Strength in Difficult Times and the Tee Off for Our Patriots Golf Classic, the word will be spread to military personnel, veterans and their families that MHA is here to help.” said Wendy DePedro, MHA Executive Director.

This year’s Golf Committee is being chaired by Justine Robertson of Monmouth Beach and MHA Foundation Board Member, Ernesto Cullari of Asbury Park. Other members of the committee are Marilyn Broege of Oceanport, Peter Coggins of Rumson, Eugenia Kelly of Long Branch, Thomas Morgan, Psy.D., of Princeton, Dean Ross of Lincroft, and Bill Rustico of Highlands. Also serving on the committee are MHA Foundation Board Members Lindsay Lutz of Long Branch, Nancy Pearson of Rumson, Joseph Silvestri of Farmingdale, and Foundation Board President, George Whitelaw of Locust.

Members of the Honorary Committee are:

Brigadier General Robert C. Bolton USAF

Brigadier General Peter Dawkins (Ret.) USAR

Rear Admiral Douglas Fredericks (Ret.) USCG

Colonel Michael Ruane (Ret.) USAR

Lieutenant Colonel Charles M. Long USMC

For more information about the Golf Classic, Sponsorship opportunities or to get involved, please visit www.mentalhealthmonmouth.org or call 732-542-6422 ext 108.

About MHA Monmouth

The Mental Health Association of Monmouth County is dedicated promoting mental health and wellness, preventing mental illness and improving the care and treatment of persons affected by mental illness. MHA strives to accomplish this mission through the creation and implementation of innovative programs, education, advocacy, and community partnerships.